Question about handgun transfers
 

My brother upgraded his 9mm hand gun. All I currently have are shotguns, and he said he would sell it to me real cheap. Actually I could probably get it from him for a pizza and some beer. I don't know much about the gun, but I know he takes good care of his weapons and doesn't buy junk.

My question is, neither of has ever bought a firearm from anyone other than a dealer. He lives in PA, and I live in DE, and I don't know the laws that would cover this. Do we have to go to a dealer and have them do the transfer, and if so, who's state does it have to be done in? Or can he just hand hand it to me, maybe with an improvised bill of sale or something?

Thanks for any replies...I have been wanting to try firing a handgun at the range, and this seems like a good way to get started.

Re: Question about handgun transfers
 

DE allows private sales without a background check


PA reads like this:
SECONDARY SALES
Are background checks required on 'private' gun sales? Partial

State law requires a person buying or obtaining ownership of a handgun to go through a criminal background check, while buyers of shotguns and rifles do not. All handgun sales, including sales by private individuals, at gun shows or through newspaper or Internet advertisements, must be completed at a Sheriff�s office or through a federally licensed firearms dealer.



If you are not concerned about the technicalities, He could possibly Drive it to you and give it to you in your own State. Do the Bill of Sale thing so it lets him off the hook.

Now, somewhere, this may not be exactly following the letter of the 2 States and the ATF regarding the transfer. SO, If you want to be on the really safe side, Find a dealer in your area and ask him to initiate a transfer for you. That Dealer will then send a copy of his FFL, marked "For File only" to your bro. Your Bro can then box up and ship the firearm directly to that dealer. When he gets it, you will go in and do the background check, pay the dealer $25-$35 for the transfer and it's yours.

Note, your FFL may want your bro to use a Dealer in PA to ship to him in DE, but it is not required by law. Hope this helps

If you go the second, safer route, then the firearm will be transferred, on paper, out of your brothers name and into yours.